Season 3: Version B
By columbiachica (kat2005)
Author's Note: Thank you to all of you who review. I appreciate it. I put a lot of time and effort into writing them and I really enjoy reading feedback. Also, thank you to StewPid for recommending this.
Dedications: To many people: Kate, Chris, and Elise for supporting me in my search of an ego, Hadar for always making me grin, Marissa for encouragement, and emrie because she's such a great person and writer, and always an inspiration.
Featured Music:
"This Year's Love," David Gray
"Emergency Dispatch," No Use For a Name
"Walking By," Something Corporate
"I Am Ready for Love"
ANNOUNCER: Previously on Gilmore Girls…
[Cut to RORY, LORELAI, EMILY, and RICHARD at the Yale campus]
RORY: Did you live on campus the whole time you went here?
RICHARD: Oh, yes. A lot of people do. It's a wonderful environment.
LORELAI: But you don't have to.
[Cut to LOUISE, MADELINE, PARIS, and RORY at Chilton]
LOUISE: And I'll bet you're going to do something really exciting.
PARIS: [Looking at RORY] I'm going to New York.
MADELINE: Really? Why?
PARIS: Just vacation.
LOUISE: [Sneering] With your parents?
PARIS: [Still looking at RORY] Yeah.
LOUISE: Ah.
RORY: I bet it'll be fun, though.
PARIS: I think it will.
[They smile at each other]
[Cut to LIZ and JESS on the phone]
LIZ: Do you want to come visit? For Christmas? [Pause] You can take Rory with you.
JESS: No.
LIZ: It's the holidays.
JESS: That seemed to mean a lot last year.
[Cut to LORELAI, RORY, GRAYER, JORINA, JACOB, EMILY, and RICHARD at dinner]
JORINA: I am merely asking the girl some questions.
GRAYER: For Christ's sake, her name is Rory.
JORINA: Rory, how do you feel about your mother giving up all her potential for you?
RORY: I—
RICHARD: That's quite enough, Jorina.
JACOB: I agree, Jorina. That was a bit harsh.
JORINA: I'm just curious.
[Cut to LORELAI and LUKE at the counter]
LORELAI: [Con't] I'll pay you and everything. Not as much as those really expensive construction companies, but as much as I can. Please, Luke.
LUKE: Lorelai, I have a date tonight.
LORELAI: I know.
LUKE: I'm moving on.
LORELAI: I know. I'm just asking for your help, as a friend.
LUKE: As a friend.
LORELAI: As a friend.
LUKE: I'll take a look at it tomorrow.
LORELAI: [Eyes water] Thanks, Luke.
LUKE: [Gruffly] You're welcome.
[Int. Late morning. Dragonfly Inn. LUKE'S pickup is parked outside, alongside LORELAI'S Jeep. Pan inside, where LORELAI and LUKE are standing in the soon-to-be lobby]
LUKE: We can get started on some of the indoor stuff.
LORELAI: We?
LUKE: The whole town is going to want to help, of course.
LORELAI: I am not letting Kirk within one hundred feet of this inn.
LUKE: Andrew will want to pitch in. And Rune, of course.
LORELAI: Aah! No way!
LUKE: And Babette with some more "powerful machinery."
LORELAI: My delicate female mind can't take it.
LUKE: I mean, Dan and Ron and I can probably do most of the work. But the town will want to help.
LORELAI: Do we have to tell them? [LUKE gives her a look] Okay, they can paint.
LUKE: I know a wholesaler in Hartford you can get some cheap flooring from.
LORELAI: I just need to decide what flooring.
LUKE: Plus, it's after Christmas, so it'll be really cheap.
LORELAI: I think I'll put wood in the lobby.
LUKE: Laminate would be good.
LORELAI: You think?
LUKE: Scratch resistant, looks like wood, you can mop it…
LORELAI: [Laughs] Mop.
LUKE: Well, unless you get a housekeeper on day one.
LORELAI: [Sits on the floor. LUKE sits as well] It's really happening.
LUKE: Yep.
LORELAI: I can't believe this. I mean, it's been my dream since…well, since after the ballerina dream fizzled and the '80s pop icon went down the tubes…this has been it.
LUKE: '80s pop icon?
LORELAI: Come on, don't tell me you didn't want to be part of WHAM!
LUKE: Not really, no.
LORELAI: I even had Tiffany hair.
LUKE: I'm glad you moved on to this dream.
LORELAI: Yeah. It's a nice dream. [Pause] How was your date?
LUKE: Which one?
LORELAI: There's been more than one?
LUKE: Well, yeah. There was the first one three weeks ago, and there's been four since.
LORELAI: Oh.
LUKE: They were all good.
LORELAI: That's good. [Pause] So, come on, what's she like?
LUKE: [Looks uncomfortable] I don't know, she's got…hair.
LORELAI: [Laughs] Hair? Not some synthetic plant growing out of her head? Tell me, Luke, does she also have skin?
LUKE: [Glares] Her name's Lindsay. She's a vegan animal rights activist attorney.
LORELAI: A lawyer?
LUKE: Yeah. A lawyer. [Notices LORELAI'S look] What?
LORELAI: I just never saw you with a lawyer.
LUKE: She doesn't even own a suit.
LORELAI: Does she wear flannel to work?
LUKE: [Glares] No.
LORELAI: [Serious] I'm glad it's going well.
LUKE: Well…thanks. [Pause] How's…Grayer?
LORELAI: He's good.
LUKE: Good.
LORELAI: Rory likes him.
LUKE: That's good.
[Pause]
LORELAI: [Stands up] Thanks for doing this, Luke.
LUKE: Sure.
LORELAI: I mean it, this means a lot to me. I couldn't have done this without you.
LUKE: [Clears his throat] So, I'll write down that wholesaler's address for you, and you and Sookie can go take a look.
LORELAI: Sounds good.
LUKE: And Sookie should come in soon, tell us what she wants to do with the kitchen.
LORELAI: I'll tell her.
LUKE: Okay.
LORELAI: Thanks again.
LUKE: See you tomorrow.
LORELAI: Tonight.
LUKE: Date.
LORELAI: Oh.
LUKE: But tomorrow.
LORELAI: Yeah, sure, tomorrow it is.
[They walk out to LUKE'S truck together in silence. LORELAI looks preoccupied]
LUKE: I think this is really gonna happen for you.
LORELAI: I think so too.
LUKE: Have you talked to Mia?
LORELAI: [Lying] Um, yeah.
LUKE: And?
LORELAI: She said she'd call me back.
LUKE: Oh. Well.
LORELAI: Yeah. [LUKE looks anxious] Well, um, I'll see you…tomorrow.
LUKE: Yeah, tomorrow.
[He climbs in his truck and drives off, leaving LORELAI standing in front of the inn. La-la's play. Zoom out to show how small she is in comparison]
[Opening Credits]
[First commercial break]
[Int. Dragonfly Inn. Late afternoon, a week later. Many people are there, helping out with the inn's construction. LORELAI is standing with SOOKIE in the kitchen while LUKE takes down their plans]
SOOKIE: I think the stove should go over here.
LUKE: There's no ventilation over there.
SOOKIE: Can't we put new ventilation in?
LUKE: That costs.
SOOKIE: So I'm stuck with the stove over there.
LUKE: Yep.
SOOKIE: Okay, then we can put a big island counter right there.
LUKE: Wait, what about that corner?
SOOKIE: Which corner?
LUKE: The one you wanted to put the stove in.
SOOKIE: Oh, well, I don't know. What do you think, Lorelai?
LORELAI: Your kitchen, Sook.
SOOKIE: Hmm. I assume the ovens have to go by the stove.
LUKE: That's where the oven vents are.
SOOKIE: I guess we could put some cooling racks over there.
LUKE: Okay.
SOOKIE: And I want a nice wide counter all along here. And pot hooks on the ceiling.
LUKE: Got it.
SOOKIE: Anything else?
LORELAI: Asking me?
SOOKIE: Yeah.
LORELAI: I don't know. Just sleep on it, I guess.
LUKE: We're gonna try to start doing the kitchen tomorrow, building counter space and cabinets.
SOOKIE: The wholesale place said the countertop would be in by Monday.
LUKE: Okay. I'll tell Dan.
SOOKIE: Hey, have you seen Jackson?
LORELAI: No…
SOOKIE: I hope he's not trying to help.
LORELAI: Why?
SOOKIE: His experiences with power tools…
LORELAI: …not so great?
SOOKIE: Not really. That's how he got that scar on his leg.
LORELAI: That scar is huge.
SOOKIE: I know.
LORELAI: Okay, then. [Turns to LUKE] Thanks, Luke.
LUKE: Sure. I should get back to the diner. I left Caesar alone.
LORELAI: Okay.
LUKE: See you.
LORELAI: Bye.
[LUKE leaves and SOOKIE stands in front of LORELAI]
SOOKIE: You two seem okay.
LORELAI: I'm not.
SOOKIE: You seem okay.
LORELAI: He's got a girlfriend.
SOOKIE: Luke?
LORELAI: No, Boy George. Of course Luke.
SOOKIE: Wow. He hasn't been with anyone since—
LORELAI: Rachel.
SOOKIE: Have you met her?
LORELAI: No. [Sighs] She's a vegan animal-rights activist attorney.
SOOKIE: Wow.
LORELAI: Not "wow"!
SOOKIE: I mean, ooh.
LORELAI: A little better.
SOOKIE: What did you want me to say?
LORELAI: Damn liberals.
SOOKIE: Okay. Damn liberals.
LORELAI: Thank you.
SOOKIE: How long has this been going on?
LORELAI: I don't know. [Pause] Three weeks.
SOOKIE: How come no one else knows about it?
LORELAI: It's Luke.
SOOKIE: Good point. I wonder how they met.
LORELAI: I don't know.
SOOKIE: Well, that's good for Luke. I mean, you've got Grayer.
LORELAI: [Uncertainly] Yeah.
SOOKIE: That didn't sound good.
LORELAI: What?
SOOKIE: Your "yeah".
LORELAI: It was fine.
SOOKIE: You two are still together, right?
LORELAI: Yeah, of course.
SOOKIE: Break-up dance.
LORELAI: There is no break-up dance.
SOOKIE: Your hips are swaying.
LORELAI: They are not!
SOOKIE: Okay, if you say so.
LORELAI: I do. [Silence] I do!
[Cut to RORY and JESS in a deserted upstairs hallway. RORY is painting; JESS is in a bathroom, fixing the sink]
RORY: How was school?
JESS: Same.
RORY: Jess…
JESS: What?
RORY: Your history test!
JESS: Oh, that.
RORY: Did you get it back?
JESS: Yeah.
RORY: And…?
JESS: And it came.
RORY: Jess! [She puts her roller down and goes into the bathroom] Come on.
JESS: [Slides out from under the sink] It might have been an A.
RORY: Might have?
JESS: It was.
RORY: You got an A?
JESS: [Standing] No need to sound so incredulous.
RORY: Jess, that's amazing!
JESS: I guess.
RORY: It is.
JESS: Better than an F, I guess.
RORY: It's great.
[RORY launches forward and kisses him, forgetting she has paint on her hands. She runs her fingers through his hair and the kiss deepens. JESS starts walking her backward, but RORY breaks away]
RORY: Have you seen my mom lately?
JESS: Everyone's downstairs, watching the flooring.
RORY: Sure?
JESS: Sure.
[RORY kisses him again, leading him into an empty bedroom. There's an old, dilapidated chair in there and a dresser with a broken mirror. RORY turns them around so JESS is headed for the chair. He sits and RORY sits on top of him, continuing to kiss him]
JESS: Rory—
RORY: Shh, be quiet.
[They kiss again. RORY reaches for the hem of his top shirt and pulls that off, followed shortly by his second, leaving him bare-chested. She runs her hands down his shoulders, chest, and abdomen and JESS groans. RORY shifts positions so she straddles him]
RORY: How's that A looking now?
JESS: Really good.
[RORY and JESS smile at each other, then keep kissing. JESS tugs her shirt off and kisses her shoulder. RORY makes him kiss her mouth and twines their fingers together, leaning into him. JESS reaches around her back and unclasps her bra, shoving the straps down her shoulders. RORY leans into him, pressing their torsos together, and JESS leans down and kisses her shoulder blade. His hand starts wandering south, and RORY jumps when he touches her]
RORY: Oh my God.
JESS: Sorry.
RORY: Someone's gonna walk in on us.
JESS: We're safe.
RORY: Are you kidding? Half of Stars Hollow is less than fifty yards away. [She searches for her bra]
JESS: [Handing her the bra] Here.
RORY: Thanks.
JESS: For what it's worth…
RORY: What?
JESS: I think I'll try for those A's.
RORY: [Grins] Good. [They kiss. RORY breaks apart to put her bra on and quickly yanks her shirt on. JESS puts his shirts on too. RORY stands up and vacates his lap] I should probably get back to painting.
JESS: I should probably get to the diner.
RORY: Okay. [She kisses him and breaks away before the kiss can get as heated as before] I can't believe I did that. [Pause] Miss Patty would be so proud.
JESS: Oh God.
RORY: [Giggles, then hits him lightly on the shoulder] Get back to work.
JESS: I'll see you tonight.
RORY: Bye.
[They kiss one more time, then go in the hallway and separate. After a few seconds, RORY catches up with JESS, turns him around, and plants one on him. Surprised, he drops his screwdriver on the floor to wrap his arms around her. With a little groan, RORY backs away]
RORY: Bye.
JESS: [Grins] Don't you mean "welcome home"?
[RORY rolls her eyes, but smiles. JESS kisses her cheek and walks down the stairs. RORY goes back to her paint and sighs]
[Int. Dragonfly Inn. Late that night. RORY and LORELAI are cleaning up a little, both tired]
RORY: I can't believe how much stuff there is here.
LORELAI: It's like Luke dumped his old apartment in here.
RORY: And then Kirk moved in with his toy chest.
LORELAI: That's it. I can't do it anymore. Let's go home.
RORY: Yeah, we'll just have to get it out again tomorrow.
LORELAI: [Sighs] I hope this ends soon.
RORY: Hey, your dream.
LORELAI: Don't remind me.
[They start walking out to the Jeep]
RORY: So, is it weird?
LORELAI: Is what weird?
RORY: Luke.
LORELAI: Not really.
RORY: That's good.
[Pause]
LORELAI: It's really weird.
RORY: I knew it.
LORELAI: I don't know what to say anymore. I'm a shell of my former, witty self.
RORY: I can see that.
LORELAI: Hey!
RORY: Well…
LORELAI: My own flesh and blood.
RORY: I'm just saying, you look weird.
[They climb into the Jeep]
LORELAI: I look weird?
RORY: When you stand by him.
LORELAI: Weird how?
RORY: Like you don't know what to do with your hands.
LORELAI: I know what to do with my hands.
RORY: If you say so.
LORELAI: Why would you think otherwise?
RORY: Well, it's just that you keep moving them around. In your pockets. Crossed. Behind your back. On your hips. Et cetra, et cetra.
LORELAI: Really?
RORY: Really.
[Pause]
LORELAI: I noticed you didn't come and watch the flooring spectacular.
RORY: I was painting.
LORELAI: Jess didn't either.
RORY: Did you take roll?
LORELAI: I'm just saying…
RORY: Saying what?
LORELAI: The two of you…deserted inn…
RORY: Mom!
LORELAI: Well…
RORY: I was painting. Jess was fixing the sink. End of story.
LORELAI: The very end?
RORY: [Somewhat guiltily] The very end.
LORELAI: Well, Miss Patty has a different ending.
RORY: Doesn't she always?
LORELAI: When it comes to you and Jess? Of course.
[Pause]
LORELAI: So Dean came.
RORY: What?
LORELAI: To help out. Dean came.
RORY: Oh.
LORELAI: He said he'd come by, see if he could help out.
RORY: Oh.
LORELAI: And I said that that'd be great.
RORY: Oh.
LORELAI: Suddenly, you've become as wordy as a star in a Chaplin film.
RORY: I don't know what to say.
LORELAI: Look, hon, I know things were kind of ugly at the end, but it might be time to consider being friends.
RORY: [Uncomfortably] I guess.
LORELAI: Unless you think Jess would object.
RORY: Jess isn't my problem.
LORELAI: No?
RORY: No, Jess isn't the problem.
LORELAI: Then what is?
RORY: It's just weird.
LORELAI: It always is, sweetie.
RORY: Great.
LORELAI: So, fair warning.
RORY: Thanks.
[RORY rests her chin in her hand and looks out the window. LORELAI glances over and her and smiles very slightly, kind of nostalgically. She pats RORY'S shoulder]
[Int. Chilton. Next morning. RORY is by her locker looking very groggy. PARIS walks up]
PARIS: Do you have your chem notes?
RORY: [Caught off-guard] What?
PARIS: Your chem notes. Do you have them?
RORY: Um… [Digs through her backpack] Yeah.
PARIS: Can I borrow them?
RORY: I'm sorry…what?
PARIS: Can I borrow your notes?
RORY: I, um…sure. [She hands them over] You were in class.
PARIS: Yes.
RORY: So…
PARIS: I just got a little distracted.
RORY: [Raises her eyebrow] Distracted?
PARIS: [Gives RORY a dirty look] Yes, okay?
RORY: So things are going good.
PARIS: Really good.
RORY: Paris, that's really great.
PARIS: I guess.
RORY: Really, I mean it.
PARIS: [Almost shyly] Thanks.
RORY: So, how was Rockefeller Center?
PARIS: It was great. We went up a little early because of the snow days.
RORY: Sounds good.
PARIS: I've never actually gotten a thrill out of looking at a Christmas tree.
RORY: I imagine.
PARIS: But it was huge.
RORY: Thus the basis of the attraction.
[LOUISE and MADELINE approach them. PARIS shoots RORY a look]
LOUISE: You two look buddy-buddy.
PARIS: We were talking about chemistry.
LOUISE: Right. Those molecular bond calculations are pretty exciting.
PARIS: I'm surprised you know what we're working on.
LOUISE: Ellis helps me out. [She winks at MADELINE]
MADELINE: Hey, Rory, you've got something in your hair.
RORY: What?
[They stop and MADELINE brushes at RORY'S hair]
MADELINE: I think it's paint.
LOUISE: Trying your hand at oils?
RORY: No, not exactly. Thanks, Madeline.
MADELINE: Sure.
PARIS: So why do you have paint in your hair?
RORY: Oh, my mom and I have a project going on.
LOUISE: Pray tell.
RORY: [Reluctantly] My mom's redoing an old inn that she's going to open.
MADELINE: Wow, that's so cool.
PARIS: Really?
LOUISE: The Bates?
RORY: Not quite.
PARIS: You didn't mention anything before break.
RORY: We weren't sure it was going to work out.
MADELINE: My mom has a personal decorator. I can give you the number if you want.
RORY: Oh, thanks, but we're doing it.
LOUISE: All of it?
RORY: All of it.
[The bell rings]
PARIS: Calculus. [She and RORY go down one hallway; LOUISE and MADELINE, another. PARIS is quiet and walking very quickly]
RORY: Paris?
PARIS: What?
RORY: Why are we walking so fast?
PARIS: Don't walk this fast if you don't want to.
RORY: Are you mad about something?
PARIS: Why would I be?
RORY: I don't know.
[PARIS stops suddenly]
PARIS: Were you going to tell me?
RORY: About the inn?
PARIS: Yes.
RORY: Eventually. Sure.
PARIS: What, you just don't want to share with me?
RORY: Paris, what?
PARIS: I share things with you. You share things with me. That's how these things work.
RORY: Friendships?
PARIS: Relationships where the two participants don't despise each other.
RORY: Sorry.
PARIS: Fine.
RORY: I didn't think you'd care.
PARIS: I do.
RORY: [Smiles] Okay then.
PARIS: Why wouldn't it have worked out?
RORY: [Uncomfortable] Oh, well… my mom and I were having some issues with the construction.
PARIS: It's falling apart?
RORY: No, it just needs some touch up. That costs money.
PARIS: So just ask your grandparents.
RORY: It's not that simple.
PARIS: [Pause] Okay.
RORY: Is that all?
PARIS: I guess.
RORY: So we can go to class now, then?
PARIS: Yeah.
RORY: And Paris?
PARIS: Yeah?
RORY: Don't forget to take notes this time.
[Both PARIS and RORY smile a little bit. They continue on to class]
[Second commercial break]
[Int. Bus stop. Afternoon. RORY climbs off in her uniform, looking tired. JESS is waiting on the bench]
RORY: [Pleasantly surprised] Hi.
JESS: Hey. Here. [He hands her coffee]
RORY: What are you doing here?
JESS: Your bus pulls up here.
RORY: I know that. You just don't usually come.
JESS: [Shrugs] Yeah.
RORY: So?
JESS: Just…came.
RORY: Okay. [She sips her coffee] How was school?
JESS: [Smirks] I got another A.
RORY: [Looks embarrassed] Oh.
JESS: I'm kidding.
RORY: About the A?
JESS: Yeah.
RORY: [Looking into the distance] Okay.
JESS: You all right?
RORY: Huh? Yeah.
JESS: You're kind of spacing off.
RORY: I'm not spacing off.
JESS: If you say so.
[Pause]
RORY: Are you going to the inn tonight?
JESS: Caesar's day off.
RORY: So you're working.
JESS: Yes, I'm working.
RORY: Oh.
JESS: [Kisses her cheek] You can come see me, though.
RORY: I think I actually need to get some painting done.
JESS: Okay.
[They reach the bridge and JESS stops]
RORY: What?
JESS: Nothing.
RORY: We're stopped.
JESS: Yes.
RORY: Is there a reason?
[Pause]
JESS: You said you wanted me to tell you.
RORY: Tell me what?
JESS: About my mom.
RORY: Oh. Yeah.
JESS: She called.
RORY: When?
JESS: Yesterday.
RORY: Okay. [Pause] About…
JESS: About seeing me.
RORY: [Enthusiastically] That's great!
JESS: No, it's not.
RORY: It's not?
JESS: No.
RORY: Oh.
JESS: I thought you'd want to know.
RORY: I do. Why don't you want to see her?
JESS: My mother and I are not like you and your mother.
RORY: Not many people are.
JESS: Look, I don't want to get into this.
RORY: Okay. [Pause] Thanks for telling me.
JESS: [Shrugs] Sure.
RORY: So can we get a move on?
JESS: [Pause] Yeah, okay.
[RORY stands on her toes and kisses him lightly on the lips. They start walking toward the Gilmore house. They don't walk for long before it starts raining]
RORY: It's too cold to rain!
JESS: Ugh, it's sleet.
RORY: Run.
[She grabs JESS' hand and pulls him along behind her and they run through some backyards up to the Gilmore porch. RORY is giggling]
JESS: I saw a Gilmore run.
RORY: Tell Luke all about it.
JESS: He'd just say I'm making it up.
[RORY lets them in. It's deserted. There's a message light]
RORY: I bet that's my mom. [She hits the button]
LORELAI: [On machine] Hey, Rory, it's Mom. I'm at the Independence until six, and then I'm going to the Dragonfly for a while. If you finish your homework early, come by, okay? There's pizza money in the kitchen.
JESS: She gives you pizza money?
RORY: Yeah…
JESS: Why? Don't you rob the pizza place too?
RORY: Hey, I have connections at Luke's. [She kisses JESS]
JESS: Yeah, and Winona has connections at Saks.
[They kiss again. JESS takes RORY'S coat off, then her sweater. When he reaches for the waistband of her skirt to pull her shirt out, RORY stiffens and they break apart]
RORY: Jess, about the other day.
JESS: [Sighs and backs away] Great.
RORY: What?
JESS: We're back to square one.
RORY: What's wrong with square one?
JESS: Nothing.
RORY: So don't get mad.
JESS: Been talking with Lorelai again?
RORY: [Agitated] I talk to her all the time. She's my mother.
JESS: Jesus, Rory, I'm not Dean, okay?
RORY: So that's your excuse for every crappy thing you do to me?
JESS: Every "crappy" thing?
RORY: Yeah.
JESS: Like what? Like actually wanting to do more than kiss you? Forgive me for being a teenager.
RORY: For not respecting me when I tell you that I don't want to.
JESS: I didn't push it, Rory.
RORY: So what, I should thank my lucky stars you're not a rapist? What is wrong with you?
JESS: You're not the only person in this relationship.
RORY: Duh.
JESS: You're not the only one who wants things.
RORY: Excuse me?
JESS: Come on, Rory.
RORY: Come on what?
JESS: Look, you tell me to go to a stupid party, I go. You tell me that you want to put a moratorium on kissing, I do. You want me to tell you things, I tell.
RORY: What's your point?
JESS: I don't ask you for a lot.
RORY: So because you go to a party that we never went to or because you once upon a time humored me in my ridiculous request not the kiss so much, I should just sleep with you? That's what you're saying?
JESS: [Frustrated] No!
RORY: Then what are you saying? Because I'm completely confused.
JESS: I want you to come to New York with me!
[Silence]
RORY: What?
JESS: My mother has talked Luke into ordering me to New York and I want you to come.
RORY: [Sits on the couch] Oh.
JESS: [Sits next to her] Yeah.
RORY: When?
JESS: Next weekend.
RORY: I guess I'd have to ask my mom.
JESS: Fine.
RORY: You could have just asked me.
JESS: I know.
RORY: Why do things always turn into a fight?
JESS: If you go to New York with me, you can blame me.
RORY: Now there's an incentive. [Pause] You're not mad about the…other thing?
JESS: No.
RORY: You sure?
JESS: I maintain that pregnancy can't occur without actual penetration.
RORY: I know.
JESS: Just making sure.
["This Year's Love," by David Gray plays. RORY rests her head on his shoulder. JESS slowly, uncertainly brings his arm around her shoulders and pulls her closer. RORY turns her head into the crook of his neck and closes her eyes]
[Int. Independence Inn. Later that evening. LORELAI is at the desk, staring at the phone. SOOKIE walks up]
SOOKIE: Hey, you leaving soon?
LORELAI: [Quietly] Yes.
SOOKIE: Okay, I'm taking on the dinner rush, and then I'll be over.
LORELAI: Okay.
SOOKIE: Honey? What's wrong?
LORELAI: She's selling it.
SOOKIE: Who?
LORELAI: Mia.
SOOKIE: [Not surprised] Oh.
LORELAI: She's selling it.
SOOKIE: What did you think she was going to do? She said before she'd been thinking about it.
LORELAI: I thought she might have changed her mind.
SOOKIE: Lorelai, you can't manage two inns at once.
LORELAI: There are other managers out there.
SOOKIE: But that's practically the same as selling it.
LORELAI: No. At least it'd still be Mia's.
SOOKIE: Is this about the Crap Shack?
LORELAI: No. Yes.
SOOKIE: Honey, you have to let it go.
LORELAI: But it's mine. That's a big part of my life.
SOOKIE: You've got memories. Mia's got pictures. It's not going away just because it's sold.
LORELAI: It is, though. I can't wander out there anymore and look at the wallpaper.
SOOKIE: But on the up side, neither can Rune.
LORELAI: But what if someone more despicable than Rune moves in?
SOOKIE: Impossible.
LORELAI: I guess. [Sadly] I guess I'm gonna go. I'm meeting Luke.
SOOKIE: [Smiling slyly] Okay.
LORELAI: What's that smile for?
SOOKIE: Nothing.
LORELAI: [Suspiciously] Right.
SOOKIE: Bonding over flooring?
LORELAI: Oh, Sookie.
SOOKIE: What?
LORELAI: I think it's time to give up.
SOOKIE: Never. You two are meant to be.
[LORELAI opens her mouth to say something, but SOOKIE gets called to the kitchen. LORELAI watches her go, mouth hanging open, unhappy she didn't get the last word]
[Int. Gilmore house. Same evening, around five-thirty. RORY and JESS are lying horizontal on the couch, kissing. This time when JESS reaches for her shirt, RORY doesn't protest. JESS unbuttons the buttons slowly, still kissing her mouth. Eyes shut, RORY reaches blindly for JESS' shirt hem and misses by a few inches south. JESS groans and stops kissing her]
RORY: Sorry.
JESS: That's okay.
RORY: I'll open my eyes the next time I try that.
JESS: Either way's okay. [He kisses her mouth shortly]
RORY: Oh, Jess, it's five-thirty.
JESS: So?
RORY: Don't you have to work?
JESS: Six.
RORY: You aren't going to be late, are you? Luke has to leave soon to meet Mom.
JESS: I know. [He kisses her again, and this time it flares up. RORY successfully finds the hem of his shirt and slips her hands up the front, caressing him. JESS groans, rolls completely off the couch and stands. RORY sits up, looking worried]
RORY: Jess?
JESS: I should go.
RORY: Did I do something wrong?
JESS: No. No. It was too right.
RORY: [Blushes] Oh. Okay.
JESS: [Kisses her forehead] I'll see you tomorrow?
RORY: Mmm, yes.
JESS: Bye, Rory.
RORY: Bye.
[JESS leaves. RORY runs her fingers through her hair, looking pleased and confused. The phone rings]
RORY: [On phone. Inter cut between RORY and LORELAI] Hello?
LORELAI: Hi, honey.
RORY: Mom. Hi.
LORELAI: How was school?
RORY: Good. How's work?
LORELAI: I'm on my way to the Dragonfly.
RORY: Sookie's still at the Independence?
LORELAI: Yeah. You know, we should come up with code names.
RORY: Why would we do that?
LORELAI: Duh. Because it would sound way cooler.
RORY: Right.
LORELAI: Oh ye of little faith.
RORY: You and Luke are finishing the lobby flooring, right?
LORELAI: Yep. I've gotten pretty good with glue.
RORY: I wouldn't spread that around.
LORELAI: Hmm, you're probably right. So, can you come tonight?
RORY: [Guiltily] I have a lot of homework.
LORELAI: Oh, that's okay.
RORY: I'll try to help you paint tomorrow, all right?
LORELAI: Sure, hon. You know about the pizza money.
RORY: Yeah.
LORELAI: Don't wait up for me.
RORY: Don't do anything illegal with the glue.
LORELAI: I make no guarantees.
RORY: I'm not bailing you out.
LORELAI: Fair enough. I'll call my parents.
RORY: Sounds like a plan.
LORELAI: I'll see you later, sweetie.
RORY: [Nervous] Hey, Mom?
LORELAI: Yeah?
RORY: [Losing her courage] Uh, never mind.
LORELAI: Okay. Bye, sweets.
RORY: Bye, Mom.
[RORY hangs up and bites her lip, staring at the receiver in her hand. When she looks down, she notices that her shirt is still unbuttoned. She buttons it back up quickly, like a criminal, and opens her homework up at the kitchen table]
[Int. Diner. Late evening. JESS is behind the counter, looking harried. There's no one in there. The door opens and JESS looks up]
LINDSAY: Is Luke here?
JESS: Nope.
LINDSAY: [Looks him over] Are you Jess?
JESS: Yeah.
LINDSAY: I'm Lindsay.
JESS: Huh.
LINDSAY: So, where is Luke?
JESS: He's at the inn.
LINDSAY: What?
JESS: The inn. The Dragonfly.
LINDSAY: [Confused] Oh.
JESS: Just go east. You'll find it.
LINDSAY: Well, thanks. [She looks at him] You don't look evil.
JESS: Luke said I was evil?
LINDSAY: I think "difficult" was his word.
JESS: Gee, thanks, I guess.
LINDSAY: No problem.
[She leaves. JESS gives her a very strange look and opens his book]
[Cut to the Dragonfly. LINDSAY pulls up in her old beat-up hatchback and looks, puzzled, at all the cars. ANDREW passes by, carrying one lonely two-by-four. Hesitantly, LINDSAY follows him in the front door, where a man is working on flooring. LORELAI is nearby, working on flooring as well. LINDSAY walks up to her]
LINDSAY: Excuse me?
LORELAI: Hmm? [Looks up] Yes? [She smiles] You're not a guest, are you?
LINDSAY: [Smiles] No. Uh, I was told I could find Luke Danes here?
LORELAI: [Standing slowly] You're Lindsay.
LINDSAY: I—yeah.
LORELAI: Hi, I'm Lorelai. Gilmore.
LINDSAY: Oh, hi. Lindsay Manning.
LORELAI: Nice to meet you.
LINDSAY: You too.
[LORELAI looks her up and down, trying not to be obvious. LINDSAY is wearing khakis and a cottony sweater, both neat and clean. LORELAI is in jeans and a long-sleeved T-shirt, covered with dried glue and spatterings of paint. LINDSAY looks uncomfortable]
LORELAI: He actually just went on a coffee run. You probably just missed him.
LINDSAY: Oh. Well.
LORELAI: You can stick around. He'll be back soon.
LINDSAY: Thanks. [Pause] So, you're restoring this place?
LORELAI: Well, I'm opening an inn.
LINDSAY: Oh! Luke mentioned something about that.
LORELAI: He mentioned me?
LINDSAY: All the time. [She smiles] I'm guessing the coffee run is for you?
LORELAI: [Defensively] And a few other people.
LINDSAY: He said you were something of a junkie.
LORELAI: Oh, I prefer addict.
LINDSAY: [Laughs] I guess that's a personal choice.
LORELAI: Yeah, it is. It's like buying underwear. [Pause] Luke tells me you're a lawyer.
LINDSAY: [Rolls her eyes] Oh God! I hate it when people say that. Like they really just want to say a dirty word but can't.
LORELAI: Well, he said you were an animal-rights lawyer.
LINDSAY: I usually just say activist. It keeps the dirty stares away.
LORELAI: Right. So you like it?
LINDSAY: It's my passion.
LORELAI: That's great. [Awkwardly] And the animals? Do they…appreciate it?
LINDSAY: I like the think so. [Pause] So you have a daughter.
LORELAI: Oh, yes. Rory. She's eighteen.
LINDSAY: You look too young to have an eighteen-year-old.
LORELAI: I am. I guess Luke didn't elaborate a lot.
LINDSAY: Not a lot. Just the important things. Coffee, food, shoes, inn.
LORELAI: Nice to know what he thinks of me.
LINDSAY: You two sound like good friends.
LORELAI: We are.
[Pause]
LINDSAY: So, when are you opening?
LORELAI: As soon as the paint dries.
LINDSAY: It's coming along nicely.
LORELAI: Thanks.
[Pause]
LINDSAY: What did you do before this?
LORELAI: I manage the Independence Inn.
LINDSAY: Oh, I've been there. Tough for the vegans, but nice enough.
LORELAI: [Smiles tightly] Thank you.
[LUKE walks in, holding two precariously stacked trays of coffee. He looks around and sees LORELAI standing next to LINDSAY and walks over uncomfortably]
LUKE: Here. Your drug of choice.
LORELAI: Thanks. [Pause] I'm going to go see how Miss Patty and Babette are doing with those paint rollers.
LUKE: Sure.
[LORELAI walks away. LUKE and LINDSAY face each other]
LINDSAY: So that's Lorelai.
LUKE: Yeah, that's Lorelai.
LINDSAY: She's nice.
LUKE: She's insane.
LINDSAY: [Shrewdly] You don't really believe that.
LUKE: Sure I do. I've known her for years.
LINDSAY: If you honestly believed that, you wouldn't be helping her like this.
LUKE: She's a friend. She needed help.
LINDSAY: So not to sound like a jealous girlfriend, but you didn't mention you were doing this.
LUKE: Yeah, it wasn't that big a deal.
LINDSAY: Right. [Clears her throat] So we were going to have dinner.
LUKE: Oh, Lindsay, I'm sorry. Here, let me get cleaned up.
LINDSAY: No, stay. You're in the middle of something. We'll reschedule.
LUKE: You sure?
LINDSAY: Absolutely. [She smiles] Call me, okay?
LUKE: Yeah, sure.
[LINDSAY kisses LUKE, holding his face. She smiles again and leaves. "Emergency Dispatch," by No Use For a Name plays. When LUKE looks up, he sees LORELAI staring from across the room. She quickly looks away]
[Third commercial break]
[Int. Gilmore house. Late that night. LORELAI comes home looking tired. RORY is at the table, working]
LORELAI: Hey, babe.
RORY: Hi, Mom. How was it?
LORELAI: [Gestures to her clothing] Bob Vila has nothing on me.
RORY: Clearly.
LORELAI: You're still working?
RORY: I said I had a lot.
LORELAI: I guess.
RORY: I think they're making us pay for Christmas break.
LORELAI: They can't even give you a couple of snow days in peace.
RORY: Never. [Pause] Oh, Grayer called.
LORELAI: Oh.
RORY: He said to call him back and you two could reschedule the date you missed two days ago.
LORELAI: Date?
RORY: Apparently you missed a date.
LORELAI: And it took him two days to notice?
RORY: He had to go to Tokyo.
LORELAI: [In a small voice] Oh.
RORY: So, anyway, call him.
LORELAI: Right.
RORY: Are you okay?
LORELAI: Of course.
RORY: Because you don't seem sorry about missing your date with Grayer.
LORELAI: I'm just too tired.
RORY: Okay.
LORELAI: [Looks at RORY. Decides she can't hold it in any longer] I met her.
RORY: [Confused] What?
LORELAI: Lindsay, animal rights activist extraordinaire.
RORY: Oh. Um, how?
LORELAI: She came by the inn.
RORY: That was nice.
LORELAI: Nice? She just came to make me jealous.
RORY: I doubt it.
LORELAI: You didn't meet her.
RORY: Jess said she looks nice.
LORELAI: Looks nice. The key word being "looks".
RORY: Was she rude?
LORELAI: No…
RORY: Okay…
LORELAI: She came to flaunt her thing with Luke.
RORY: In front of you specifically?
LORELAI: Of course!
RORY: Mom—
LORELAI: And then she kissed him in front of everyone! Why else would you do that unless you're looking to show off?
RORY: Are you breaking up with Grayer?
LORELAI: [Confused] What?
RORY: Are you?
LORELAI: I…don't know.
RORY: You are.
LORELAI: What?
RORY: You're all jealous of Luke and Lindsay and you're going to break up with Grayer.
LORELAI: That's not true.
RORY: You decided that you're missing out with Luke and that you made a huge mistake. You missed that date on purpose.
LORELAI: Hey!
RORY: Why can't you make up your mind?
LORELAI: Hey, stop right there!
RORY: Is it?
LORELAI: Yes.
RORY: Maybe you should make up your mind before Grayer breaks up with you.
LORELAI: Hey, I did not ask for your opinion!
RORY: Then why else would you tell me all that?!
LORELAI: Because I had to tell someone!
RORY: No, because you were all jealous and you felt guilty and you wanted me to justify you breaking up with Grayer!
LORELAI: Not!
RORY: I like Grayer!
LORELAI: Then you date him!
RORY: I think you're throwing a good thing away.
LORELAI: Oh, and Luke isn't worth it?
RORY: Luke told you that he wasn't giving you another chance!
LORELAI: Those weren't his exact words.
RORY: Fine, I'm paraphrasing. That was his basic gist.
LORELAI: Not really.
RORY: He has a girlfriend.
LORELAI: [Opens her mouth, but is silent]
RORY: He's not there to catch you anymore.
LORELAI: Stop!
RORY: Because it's true?
LORELAI: [Sighs and calms down] When did you become so wise?
RORY: It comes from years of watching you.
LORELAI: [Tearfully] I really, really like him, Rory.
RORY: [Kindly] Maybe you should have told him that a couple months ago.
LORELAI: Good idea in theory.
RORY: [Sighs] I'm sorry I yelled.
LORELAI: Me too.
RORY: I still think you should think about this some more.
LORELAI: I'm not breaking up with Grayer.
RORY: Good.
LORELAI: You really like him?
RORY: [Nods] I really do.
[Silence]
LORELAI: Hey, what were you going to tell me on the phone?
RORY: What?
LORELAI: Earlier. When you said "never mind".
RORY: Oh.
LORELAI: Was it important?
RORY: [Hesitates] Kind of.
LORELAI: Shoot.
RORY: [Takes a deep breath] Jess wants me to go to New York with him.
LORELAI: Ah.
RORY: His mom bullied him into going up there and he asked me if I would come next weekend.
LORELAI: Is there an overnight?
RORY: Yes.
LORELAI: No.
RORY: Please, Mom?
LORELAI: You want to go to a far-away destination with Jess—
RORY: It's not that far away.
LORELAI: --and spend the night with him?
RORY: It's not that big a deal. We won't sleep in the same room.
LORELAI: [Laughs softly] Right.
RORY: We won't!
LORELAI: I've tried that too.
RORY: Mom…
LORELAI: Honey, no. Sorry.
RORY: [Sighs] Whatever.
LORELAI: Rory—
RORY: Goodnight.
[RORY stands up and goes to her room. LORELAI stares after her and looks at the closed door for a while]
LORELAI: Great. Another person who hates me.
[Sad la-la's play. LORELAI looks forlornly around the kitchen. Zoom out on her looking sad]
[Int. Luke's. Next morning. JESS comes downstairs. LUKE hands him a cup of coffee]
JESS: Thanks.
LUKE: Your mom talk to you?
JESS: You're making it up to me.
LUKE: Look, Jess, she really wants to see you. It's just a couple days.
JESS: Yeah, right.
LUKE: She said you could take Rory.
JESS: Yeah, and what do you think Lorelai will have to say about that?
LUKE: [Pause] I'll work on her.
JESS: What?
LUKE: I'll talk to her. If you really want Rory to come.
JESS: [Surprised] Yeah.
LUKE: Fine. Now get to school.
JESS: [Long pause. Reluctantly] Thanks, Luke.
LUKE: [Shocked] You're welcome.
[JESS nods and walks out. LUKE looks after him, still astonished]
[Cut to JESS walking to the bus stop. RORY is reading and listening to headphones, sitting on the bench. JESS sits next to her]
JESS: [Nudges her] Hey.
RORY: [Takes her headphones off] Looks like someone has a new favorite spot in Stars Hollow.
JESS: What are you listening to?
RORY: Rooney.
JESS: [Disapprovingly] Really?
RORY: They're good.
JESS: They're so…poppy.
RORY: I like them.
JESS: [Shrugs] If you say so.
RORY: So why are you here?
JESS: Time to kill before school.
RORY: Ah. [They kiss] You had coffee.
JESS: Luke was being generous.
RORY: [Looks down] I asked…my mom said no.
JESS: I figured.
RORY: Sorry.
JESS: It'll work out.
RORY: What's with this newfound optimism?
JESS: Must be the coffee.
["Walking By," by Something Corporate plays. They kiss. When they break apart, RORY sees DEAN standing on the school steps with a girl. He is staring at them. JESS doesn't notice and kisses RORY'S neck. DEAN glowers. Ashamed, RORY pushes JESS away and looks away from DEAN]
JESS: What?
RORY: Nothing.
[JESS looks up and sees DEAN still looking at them. When their eyes meet, both boys look away]
JESS: Ah. I see.
RORY: No, no.
JESS: Still attached are we?
RORY: No, that's not it, Jess. [RORY takes a pause to gather her thoughts]
JESS: No?
RORY: No. I—it just seems silly to flaunt it.
JESS: We weren't flaunting it. He was the one who was staring.
RORY: I know.
JESS: You didn't want to hurt his feelings.
RORY: …Yeah. What's wrong with that?
JESS: Nothing. I gotta get to school.
RORY: [Takes his hand] Jess, don't be mad.
JESS: [Jaw tightens] I'm not mad.
RORY: You are.
JESS: Nope.
RORY: [Kisses him] I'm sorry.
JESS: Fine.
RORY: Jess…
JESS: [Sighs] Gotta go get those A's.
RORY: Good. [She kisses him again and this time he responds, wrapping his arms around her. She lets herself fold into him]
JESS: See you later.
RORY: Bye, Jess.
[JESS gets up, leaving RORY sitting on the bench to the strains of "Walking By"]
[Int. Luke's. Evening. LORELAI walks in, looking haggard]
LUKE: Not tonight.
LORELAI: I just came for coffee.
LUKE: Oh.
LORELAI: I knew you weren't coming by.
LUKE: Here you go. [He sets a take-out cup in front of her]
LORELAI: [Hesitantly] Lindsay seemed nice.
LUKE: I'm glad you approve.
LORELAI: No, I didn't mean it like that.
LUKE: I know, Lorelai.
LORELAI: She seems really smart.
LUKE: She is.
LORELAI: Well…good. [She nods and starts awkwardly backing out] Bye, then.
LUKE: Hey, did Rory talk to you?
LORELAI: Ever?
LUKE: Recently. About New York.
LORELAI: Oh. Yeah.
LUKE: I assume you said no.
LORELAI: [Stiffly] Well, yeah.
LUKE: I think you should let her go.
LORELAI: [Walks toward the counter] Luke, I don't want to get into another argument about Jess.
LUKE: Look, Lorelai, it's really hard for him to see his mother, and I think Rory could help.
LORELAI: Luke, I'm not sending my daughter on a trip to New York with her boyfriend for a weekend.
LUKE: I thought you trusted Rory.
LORELAI: With my life. But not with her virginity.
LUKE: It's hers.
LORELAI: She's eighteen.
LUKE: She's legal.
LORELAI: Luke, I don't think it's a good idea.
LUKE: Jess needs this.
LORELAI: Why don't you go with him?
LUKE: I don't want to deal with Liz either. [Pause] Look, Lorelai, I'll take this in exchange for the flooring.
LORELAI: You'll floor my inn if I let Rory go to New York next weekend?
LUKE: Yes.
LORELAI: Well… [Reluctantly] I guess.
LUKE: Thank you.
LORELAI: I don't think this is a good idea.
LUKE: I know. But it'll turn out fine. You'll see.
LORELAI: I guess. I just… I don't want Rory to grow up.
[Long pause. LORELAI'S eyes are watering. LUKE is about to say something when the door swings open and LINDSAY walks in]
LINDSAY: Hi!
LUKE: [Looks away from LORELAI] Hi. Hold on a sec, okay?
LINDSAY: Sure.
[LUKE goes into the back room. LINDSAY sees LORELAI standing there, almost crying]
LINDSAY: Lorelai? Are you okay?
[Silence. LUKE comes back in, CAESAR behind him. LORELAI looks up at LUKE with wet eyes]
LORELAI: I'm fine.
[LORELAI walks out of LUKE'S quickly]
LINDSAY: Is she okay?
LUKE: She's fine.
LINDSAY: [Playfully] What did you say to her?
LUKE: [Smiles wanly] Must have been the food.
[Outside, LORELAI sits in her Jeep and watches LUKE and LINDSAY joke and get ready to go out. A single tear drips down her face]
[Int. Dragonfly. Saturday morning. LORELAI and LUKE are working in silence, gluing the final parts of the flooring down]
LUKE: I think this is last of the laminate. We'll start on carpeting upstairs next.
LORELAI: I'll tell Rory she can start mopping.
LUKE: I'll tell Jess.
LORELAI: Great.
[LUKE is about to leave, but he turns]
LUKE: Lorelai?
LORELAI: Yes?
LUKE: Are you okay? About Rory?
LORELAI: Yeah.
LUKE: Sure? You seemed pretty upset the other night.
LORELAI: I'm fine.
LUKE: Okay then.
LORELAI: How was your date?
LUKE: Fine.
LORELAI: Good.
[Silence. LUKE sighs, then leaves. LORELAI stares blankly at the floor. As she's staring, GRAYER comes in]
GRAYER: There you are.
LORELAI: Grayer! Hi.
GRAYER: I've been looking all over for you. This place is a zoo.
LORELAI: Yeah, well, that's construction for you.
GRAYER: You look…alive.
LORELAI: Barely. What are you doing here?
GRAYER: Well, I wanted to see the place. And I was getting kind of worried.
LORELAI: Worried?
GRAYER: You never called me back.
LORELAI: Oh, Grayer. I'm sorry. I forgot.
GRAYER: I didn't know if Rory had forgotten to give you the message or not.
LORELAI: No, I just forgot. I'm so sorry.
GRAYER: That's okay.
LORELAI: I'm sorry about the date, too.
GRAYER: That's all right.
LORELAI: Things have been so crazy around here.
GRAYER: I can see that.
LORELAI: How was Tokyo?
GRAYER: My cell phone got the worst reception.
LORELAI: [Smiles] Wouldn't have expected that.
GRAYER: An interesting paradox, though.
[LUKE comes in, looking between LORELAI and GRAYER]
LUKE: I told Rory and Jess they could mop this floor now.
GRAYER: I bet that was exciting.
LUKE: Just lucky I was there to contain them. [Pause] I'm gonna start upstairs, okay, Lorelai?
LORELAI: You can take a break if you want.
LUKE: I'm meeting Lindsay at five.
LORELAI: [Face falls. She tries to save it] Okay, so you probably don't want a break.
GRAYER: Do you want me to leave?
LUKE: I can handle it on my own for a while, Lorelai. Ron should be coming in an hour.
LORELAI: Thanks, Luke.
[LUKE leaves; LORELAI looks after him, somewhat longingly]
GRAYER: This is a really good thing Luke's doing for you.
LORELAI: Yeah, it is. I was so worried about the money. But I'll be paying him.
GRAYER: I could have loaned you some money, Lorelai.
LORELAI: I know. I just…I wanted to do it on my own terms.
GRAYER: I understand. [He steps closer and kisses her. LORELAI looks sad when they break apart. GRAYER observes her face carefully] Well, I just wanted to check in. You can go help Luke, if you want.
LORELAI: [Relieved] I just feel so guilty making him to all the work.
GRAYER: How about we go out tonight?
LORELAI: Eight?
GRAYER: I'll pick you up.
LORELAI: Great.
GRAYER: [Kisses her cheek] I'll see you later.
LORELAI: Later.
[She waves half-heartedly and leaves the room after a minute. She and JESS pass each other; JESS is carrying a mop. LORELAI nods at him; he nods back. LORELAI goes upstairs and finds LUKE laying the carpeting out]
LORELAI: Need some help?
LUKE: I'm doing okay.
LORELAI: Here. [She helps him secure the tape measure]
LUKE: [Not looking at her] Grayer left?
LORELAI: Yeah.
LUKE: Oh.
[They measure out the carpet, trying to avoid each other's eyes. LUKE starts marking the wall with pencil. LORELAI stares at him]
[Fourth commercial break]
[Int. Dragonfly. EMILY and RICHARD pull up, looking confused. They climb out and EMILY balks at the dirt surrounding the inn]
RICHARD: [To KIRK] Excuse me?
KIRK: Yes?
RICHARD: Do you know where Lorelai Gilmore is?
KIRK: She's upstairs.
EMILY: Where?
KIRK: I'm not the hall monitor!
RICHARD: Well, thank you.
[He and EMILY go inside, where EMILY glimpses RORY mopping]
EMILY: Oh thank God, there's Rory.
[She and RICHARD make their way over there, dodging construction debris]
RICHARD: Rory!
RORY: [Surprised] Grandpa! [She looks at JESS and puts her mop in the bucket as RICHARD and EMILY walk closer] What are you doing here?
EMILY: Well, we thought we'd stop by.
RICHARD: Emily and I were out for a drive.
[EMILY notices JESS. RORY clears her throat]
RORY: Grandma, Grandpa, this is Jess. Jess, you remember my grandpa.
RICHARD: Good to see you again.
JESS: Likewise.
EMILY: [Coldly] Hello.
JESS: Hi.
[Silence]
RORY: So, were you looking for Mom?
EMILY: I suppose so.
RORY: Come on, she's upstairs.
EMILY: I didn't realize that the inn would be so…hands-on.
RORY: Oh, well, Mom asked Luke to help out with some of it and the whole town ended up pitching in.
EMILY: What about the construction company?
RORY: The town is the construction company.
RICHARD: She didn't hire anyone?
RORY: I'm sure she'll pay Luke. [She looks at JESS] Here, come on. [RORY, RICHARD, and EMILY leave the room. JESS takes his mop out and resumes mopping]
[Cut to RORY, RICHARD, and EMILY walking up the stairs]
RORY: Mom's been here a lot this week. We're trying to get the flooring in, and Luke and Ron are going to do counters and cabinets next week, hopefully.
RICHARD: This Luke sounds very talented.
RORY: Luke's good at carpentry. [She spots LORELAI and LUKE at the end of the hall, bent close together, pounding the floor matting in] Mom!
LORELAI: [Looks up] Rory! … Mom. Dad.
EMILY: Hello, Lorelai.
LORELAI: [Stands] What are you doing here?
EMILY: We took a little drive and decided to stop in.
LORELAI: Oh, well. You remember Luke?
LUKE: How you doing?
RICHARD: Quite good, thank you.
EMILY: [Smirking] Wonderful.
LORELAI: Luke and I were just finishing up with the matting.
LUKE: Yep.
RICHARD: [To LUKE] You're doing most of this?
LUKE: What I can.
EMILY: How nice.
[Silence]
LUKE: I'm gonna see how the finishing's coming downstairs.
RORY: I'll help.
[RORY and LUKE disappear down the stairs together, leaving LORELAI with RICHARD and EMILY]
EMILY: [Angrily] This is how you're getting your inn done?
LORELAI: It's economical.
EMILY: You said that you had it taken care of.
LORELAI: And obviously, I do.
EMILY: Hiring a bunch of bohemians to do your construction?
LORELAI: They're not bohemians! They're my friends, Mom.
EMILY: I thought when you said you had it taken care of, you had hired a reliable construction company!
RICHARD: This structure doesn't look stable.
LORELAI: The structure's fine, Dad. I can't afford a big construction company, Mom. Luke and the town are being very generous, helping me out.
EMILY: I can't believe you wouldn't ask us—your own family!
LORELAI: I'm sick of asking you for things! I'm doing this on my own. This is my thing. You helped with Rory's school and my house and that is enough.
EMILY: I have honestly never been so insulted.
RICHARD: You could have asked, Lorelai.
LORELAI: You'll never understand that I need to do this on my own. I got very lucky that Luke and everyone else agreed to do all this for me.
EMILY: And if they hadn't?
LORELAI: Excuse me?
EMILY: What if they hadn't agreed?
LORELAI: I would have figured something out.
EMILY: But you wouldn't have asked us.
LORELAI: Maybe.
EMILY: As a last resort.
LORELAI: Mom, I'm thirty-five! I don't want to keep running to my mommy and daddy every time I need something.
RICHARD: There's nothing wrong with asking for help.
LORELAI: I appreciate that, Dad, but this is how I want it done. It's my inn.
EMILY: And you don't want us involved.
LORELAI: Mom—
EMILY: I've seen enough. Richard, let's go home.
[EMILY marches down the stairs. RICHARD and LORELAI look at each other, then RICHARD follows, leaving LORELAI all alone]
[Int. downstairs room. Afternoon. RORY is having a difficult time wallpapering the room, running up and down the ladder, spattering glue everywhere. DEAN comes in]
DEAN: Hey.
RORY: [Surprised] Hey. Hi.
DEAN: Miss Patty said you needed some help.
RORY: Oh, no. I'm good. [Pause] Desperately.
DEAN: Ah, here. [He gets on the ladder and gestures for RORY to hand him the paper. He carefully sticks it up and RORY runs a dry paint roller down, smoothing it]
RORY: Thanks.
DEAN: No problem.
RORY: I know my mom really appreciates you being here.
DEAN: Yeah, it's the least I can do. I mean, your mom's been wanting to open this inn forever.
RORY: And a day.
DEAN: And Taylor would have killed me if I didn't come.
RORY: Strangled by your own apron strings.
DEAN: Kind of a pathetic death.
RORY: It is.
[Pause]
DEAN: So, how's…?
RORY: He's good.
DEAN: Good.
RORY: How are you?
DEAN: Doing good. I'm actually thinking about college a little more.
RORY: Really? Dean, that's great.
DEAN: Yeah, well. My parents don't want me to be a mechanic.
RORY: What are you thinking of going into?
DEAN: Business, I guess.
RORY: Sounds good.
DEAN: Still Harvard-bound?
RORY: Yale.
DEAN: Oh. I guess that's closer.
RORY: Much. My mom likes that, I think.
DEAN: I bet she does.
RORY: So, how's Clara?
DEAN: She's good. She's taking dance lessons from Miss Patty.
RORY: Uh-oh.
DEAN: Yeah. She looked a little shocked when she came home last time.
RORY: [Giggles] I remember my Miss Patty lessons.
DEAN: I get the feeling that you can't forget them.
RORY: That's true.
DEAN: [Puts the last strip of wallpaper up] Wow, you got a long way.
RORY: It was an uphill battle.
DEAN: I guess I was a little late.
RORY: Any help is good help.
[DEAN climbs down from the ladder. They stand facing each other uncomfortably]
DEAN: Any more wallpaper to do?
RORY: [Hesitantly] Well, the next room over.
DEAN: You want help?
RORY: Are you busy?
DEAN: Nope.
RORY: Sure?
DEAN: I'm sure. Plus, wallpaper is better than being harassed by Patty and Babette.
RORY: That's true. Well, come on.
[They gather the ladder and supplies and go into the next room. When the camera zooms away, we see JESS at the door, looking upset]
[Int. Upstairs. LUKE and LORELAI have gotten about halfway through laying the carpet. LUKE checks his watch]
LUKE: I should get going.
LORELAI: Right. Sure. Thanks again.
LUKE: I can come back later tonight and help you finish if you want.
LORELAI: That would be good.
LUKE: I'll come by about eight.
LORELAI: Great.
LUKE: See you later. [LUKE walks down the hall]
LORELAI: [Quietly, to herself] Yeah, later.
[LORELAI stares off into space for a while, sitting on her knees. JESS comes up, carrying a bunch of wallpaper]
JESS: Ron told me this went up here.
LORELAI: Yeah, just set it over there. Thanks.
JESS: Sure.
[Pause]
LORELAI: So you and Rory are going to New York next week.
JESS: Looks that way.
LORELAI: Jess, I think you know that I'm not too happy about this. I'm doing this for Luke, who seems to trust you.
JESS: Okay.
LORELAI: If my daughter comes back with so much as a scratch—physically, mentally or emotionally—you won't be seeing her for a very long time, okay?
JESS: Okay.
LORELAI: And if she comes back with a cast, you're going to want to skip town again.
JESS: Okay.
LORELAI: And if you think I don't know what you're doing behind closed doors, you're wrong.
JESS: Okay.
LORELAI: Do you know another word?
JESS: I'm just trying not to upset you.
LORELAI: [Surprised] Right.
JESS: Which can be all too easy.
LORELAI: Thanks for the wallpaper.
JESS: Sure. [He starts to walk away]
LORELAI: Hey, Jess?
JESS: [Turns around] Yeah?
LORELAI: Be…careful. With my little girl.
JESS: [Pause] Yeah.
LORELAI: Good.
[JESS turns and goes down the stairs. LORELAI sits back on her thighs and sighs]
[Int. Upstairs. Later that evening, around seven. RORY and LORELAI are setting wallpapers in their appropriate rooms. They meet in the hallway]
RORY: I think I'm gonna go home, okay?
LORELAI: Sure, hon.
RORY: What time will you be home?
LORELAI: Luke's coming at eight to finish this. I shouldn't be too long.
RORY: Okay. [She kisses LORELAI'S cheek and starts to leave, but reconsiders] Mom?
LORELAI: Yes?
RORY: I need to tell you something. Ask you, really.
LORELAI: Okay.
RORY: But I need you to promise not to get upset.
LORELAI: What is it?
RORY: Promise.
LORELAI: I promise.
RORY: [Looking at the floor] Mom, I think I should go on the Pill.
LORELAI: What?
RORY: You know, the Pill.
LORELAI: [Shocked. Walks closer] Rory?
RORY: Nothing's happened. We haven't even gotten close. But I just want to be prepared.
LORELAI: [Swallows] Prepared for the inevitable?
RORY: Well, yeah. I mean, it will happen eventually.
LORELAI: You and Jess.
RORY: Maybe. But I am going to do it someday. It might not be Jess.
LORELAI: But it could be.
RORY: He is my boyfriend.
LORELAI: [Sighs] Okay.
RORY: "Okay"?
LORELAI: Okay.
RORY: No big talk?
LORELAI: If you're asking to go on the Pill, I think you know enough. [Pause] But be careful.
RORY: I know.
LORELAI: I know you know. We've been through this before.
RORY: You're not mad?
LORELAI: [Puts her arm around RORY] No.
RORY: Thanks, Mom.
LORELAI: No, thanks for telling me, sweetie.
[LORELAI leans close to RORY and puts her head on top of RORY'S. RORY puts her arm around her mothers waist and leans against her as well]
RORY: How did Grandpa and Grandma take it?
LORELAI: Let's not talk about that now.
RORY: Okay.
[LORELAI kisses the top of RORY'S head, looking sad. She pulls her tighter. La-la's start. The camera zooms out on the two of them, standing at the top of the stairs, arms around each other]
[Int. Luke's. JESS is working. RORY walks in the otherwise deserted diner and sits at the counter]
RORY: Hey.
JESS: [Stiffly] Hi.
RORY: Coffee?
JESS: Yeah. [He pours her a mug and slides it across the counter]
RORY: Thanks. Mmm.
JESS: I thought you'd still be at the inn.
RORY: [Hesitates] I finished wallpapering faster than I thought I would.
JESS: I know.
RORY: Know?
JESS: About Dean. You don't have to hide it.
RORY: Jess—
JESS: You were going to tell me?
RORY: Yes.
JESS: Yeah.
RORY: I was. I just didn't know how to talk about it.
JESS: So he's back at it.
RORY: Jess, no. He knows we're…us. He knows that.
JESS: Sure?
RORY: We just hung up the wallpaper. That's it.
JESS: Okay. [Pause] So you're coming to New York.
RORY: What?
JESS: Didn't your mom tell you?
RORY: No…
JESS: Luke talked to her.
RORY: Oh.
JESS: You still want to come, right?
RORY: Of course.
JESS: Good.
RORY: Yeah.
[Silence. RORY sips her coffee. She looks up at JESS through her eyelashes]
RORY: Jess?
JESS: Yeah?
RORY: I asked my mother.
JESS: About what? [JESS turns and starts making a fresh pot of coffee]
RORY: [Takes a deep breath] About the Pill.
JESS: [Pauses. We see that his face is surprised, but RORY cannot. Calmly] Oh yeah?
RORY: Yeah.
JESS: How did she take it?
RORY: Really well.
[JESS turns around and rests his forearms on the counter]
JESS: Good.
RORY: [Shyly] Yeah, good.
[JESS leans across the counter and they kiss. RORY pulls him toward her by the back of his head and JESS puts his hands flat on the countertop to extend toward her]
JESS: Good.
[Int. Dragonfly. About eight. LUKE comes into the deserted inn, where LORELAI is sitting at the bottom of the stairs]
LUKE: Hey.
LORELAI: Hey.
LUKE: You just been sitting here?
LORELAI: Pretty much, yeah.
LUKE: [Sits next to her] Something wrong?
LORELAI: The Pill.
LUKE: What?
LORELAI: She asked about the Pill, Luke.
LUKE: Oh.
LORELAI: She's going to New York, she's going on the Pill, she's going to college. [Pause. LORELAI looks miserable] I'm going to be alone.
LUKE: You're not going to be alone.
LORELAI: I am, Luke. I'm just destined to be alone.
LUKE: What about Grayer?
LORELAI: I'll screw that up somehow.
LUKE: With such an attitude, who wouldn't be screwing it up?
LORELAI: It's just the truth.
LUKE: You're not stopping her from going to New York?
LORELAI: What's the point? She's grown up.
LUKE: At least you did a good job of raising her.
LORELAI: I'm not even sure of that anymore. All I know is that I'm not my parents.
LUKE: I think you did a great job.
LORELAI: It doesn't stop her from going away.
LUKE: It shouldn't.
LORELAI: It doesn't stop me from being all alone.
[LUKE is silent. LORELAI looks over at him and bites her lip, holding tears back. It's fairly dark in the inn, and a few dim lights cast lots of shadows. LORELAI reaches up and cups LUKE'S cheek, turning his head toward her so she can see him]
LUKE: Lorelai—
LORELAI: Shh.
[LORELAI leans forward and kisses LUKE]
[Int. Gilmore house. Same time. GRAYER is standing outside, checking his watch, looking lost. He knocks on the door, steps back, waits, and knocks again]
[Cut to the inn, where LUKE and LORELAI are still kissing]
[Cut to GRAYER getting into his car and dialing his phone. We see him speak through the window, but cannot hear what he says]
[Cut to the inn, where LUKE and LORELAI are still kissing. LUKE has wrapped LORELAI in his arms now]
[Cut to GRAYER driving away from the Gilmore house, looking disappointed]
[Cut to the inn, where LUKE and LORELAI are kissing heavily]
[End of episode]